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Former rep. testifies in own defense

Soltani accused of reckless conduct during police chase

The trial of a former state representative accused of interfering with a police chase wrapped up Tuesday with him taking the stand in his own defense.

Former rep. testifies in own defense

Soltani accused of reckless conduct during police chase

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Updated: 3:30 AM EST Feb 20, 2013

CONCORD, N.H. —

The trial of a former state representative accused of interfering with a police chase wrapped up Tuesday with him taking the stand in his own defense.

Tony Soltani represented himself in the case. Shortly after his arrest in April, he told News 9 he felt compelled to get involved in the case, but Tuesday, he had a different recollection of that night.

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Soltani told the jury he was being singled out and persecuted for his actions during the police chase in Epsom. Accused of reckless conduct, Soltani became emotional while talking about his background and service in the Coast Guard.

"And I decided from then on, I would live by a code," he said.

Soltani testified that he saw a police cruiser chasing a Mercedes and at one point used his car to try to block the exit from a parking lot. Soltani said he then tried to avoid a collision by moving his car, but he ended up side by side with the other car in the oncoming lane of traffic.

Swept up in the chase, he said, he tried to do the safest thing possible.

"I had the element of surprise; he did not," Soltani said. "I also had a front-heavy car; he did not. I was able to pull up and get in front of him."

Soltani was a part-time police officer in Epsom in the 1980s. He has butted heads with the Police Department in the past and said that was behind his arrest.

"Ask yourself if justice is what they seek, or is there an undercurrent of vengeance," Soltani said. "An undercurrent of silencing criticism."

But in closing arguments, prosecutors said Soltani had a simple motive.

"The defendant wanted to be part of this," said Assistant Hillsborough County Attorney Michael Valentine. "The defendant wants to be law enforcement again."

The judge gave the jury instructions Tuesday afternoon, and it's expected the jury will begin deliberations Wednesday morning.